Sophie, Nohô Host in Orléans: Solo Rope Work, or the Art of Finding Oneself

There are practices we’re unfamiliar with, yet they resonate with who we are. Solo rope work is one of them. Sophie discovered it by chance; she found in it much more than just an activity: a space of her own, a moment of total presence, and an unexpected way to reconnect with her own body. A lawyer by day and a passionate practitioner the rest of the time, she founded her brand, CordEmoi, in Orléans creating connections to open up to oneself and to share on Nohô what the ropes have taught her.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Nassim Loukarif. I’ve been practicing martial arts for 10 years. Today, I hold a second dan in kung fu and am currently preparing for my third dan. In addition, I’m a multidisciplinary practitioner: I’ve always wanted to understand different approaches to combat rather than limiting myself to a single discipline.

Solo rope work involves partially suspending yourself using ropes in more or less acrobatic poses. It can be practiced on the ground, in a semi-suspended position, or fully suspended. It’s similar to yoga: you assume poses and try to find balance with your body. There’s even aerial yoga, and rope work can go in that direction too when you’re working in suspension.

How did you discover this practice, and what made you want to make it a regular part of your routine?

I discovered the world of ropes a few years ago, and right from the very first sessions, a whole new world opened up to me. A world where my mind slowed down, where my body could release tension, where I truly and intensely lived in the present moment.

When I get tied up, it’s a moment I give myself to take care of myself. Each session is a different journey: sometimes gentle, a sort of cocooning experience; sometimes something more physically demanding if I want to focus on stretching.

It’s taught me to listen to myself and my needs. Before I start, I take a few minutes to ask myself what I need at that precise moment. That’s what sets the tone for the session.

This practice has also allowed me to reconnect with my body. Feeling the ropes and realizing that you can move your body into poses you wouldn’t have thought possible otherwise makes you realize what an amazing machine it is. Since I’m also a photographer, I regularly take photos of my sessions on the ropes. And it’s become an unexpected way to see myself differently with a gentler, more compassionate eye. It’s something that ropes seem to have the power to offer.

I’ve been practicing two to three times a week for three years now. When I don’t do it, I don’t feel bad, but when I do, I feel so much better. And it’s because I’ve reached this level of understanding that I feel ready to share this passion today.

My workshop is for adults only those of legal age. The idea is to offer a fun and safe introduction to the activity. I’ll give a short demonstration, share key safety tips, and anyone interested can try out a few basic self-belaying techniques on the ground. Most of the activity takes place while seated: you don’t need to be athletic the ropes adapt to each person, not the other way around.

I can provide cushions or yoga blocks to make the position more comfortable. All you need to do is be able to sit on the floor for a few minutes without discomfort and reach your feet or thighs with your hands.

I think this practice resonates with many people, especially women. There’s something powerful about imposing self-chosen constraints on oneself, in a daily life where we often face constraints over which we have no control. It’s about regaining control both literally and symbolically.

On Nohô, some encounters surprise you and leave a lasting impression. Sophie’s is one of them. Not an acrobatic demonstration, not a technical class: a gentle invitation to explore what ropes can do for you, for an hour in Orléans. For those seeking a truly special moment, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.